Founded in 1986, Kyoto Journal (KJ) is a Kyoto-based non-profit, volunteer-driven quarterly magazine presenting thought-provoking insights from Kyoto, Japan and all of Asia.

A journal, whether public or private, is an ongoing means of looking afresh at the inhabited world, both social and natural. In selecting material for KJ we look for intelligent work that comes also from the heart. We are curious about society, beliefs, traditions and new developments — how people live, and live well — through the lens of Asian experience.

At the same time, our name, “Kyoto Journal,” also reflects more than a physical location. Kyoto is a place of deep spiritual and cultural heritage, and has been the measure of such things here in Japan for more than a millennium. Kyoto culture has looked deeply inwards and has also drawn richly from outside, especially since the Meiji modernization. Essentially, KJ is a community that transcends place, while respecting and celebrating regional and local identity.

Now the longest-established independent English publication in Japan, our interdisciplinary approach, high standards of journalism and stunning design have brought us several international independent press awards, including the Utne Reader and Pushcart Prize. In 2013, our Founding Editor received the Japanese Cultural Affairs Agency’s prestigious Bunkacho Chokan Hyosho for KJ’s long-term efforts to introduce Kyoto and Japanese culture to the English-speaking world.

We aim to make the best use of the media at hand in continuing to seek the essence of Asia. Care to join us?